Why the start of the academic year is the best time to promote active, sustainable travel – and how you can encourage walking, cycling and scooting in your school community.
The start of a new school year brings with it many changes, for pupils and staff alike: different teachers, new classes, and sometimes a new school. And with change in the air, there’s no better time for promoting greener, healthier travel habits.
Leaving cars at home and adopting active travel to school – whether by foot, pedal power, or even by scooter – has many benefits. Here are Climate Education’s super seven:
- Healthier bodies
The exercise benefits of walking or pedalling to school help children maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity. It also strengthens their muscles and bones. - Healthier minds
Physical activity is proven to improve mental wellbeing, boosting energy and mood levels. Children who walk or cycle to school often arrive more alert, relaxed, and ready to learn. - Smaller carbon footprints
Nationally, the school run currently generates half a million tonnes of CO2 per year. Reducing the number of cars on the road decreases carbon emissions and air pollution, contributing to a healthier environment, locally and globally. - Streetwise thinking
Walking and cycling help children develop road safety skills and awareness, which are crucial for their independence as they grow older. - Safer, quieter roads
Did you know one in five cars on the road during rush hour are taking children to school? Fewer cars on the road, especially during peak school-run hours, can ease traffic congestion and make the roads safer for everyone. - Nature connection
Children who walk or cycle to school forge stronger connections with their natural surroundings – urban trees, wildlife, the sky above them. What’s more, time spent outdoors provides a refreshing start to their day. - Saving money
Walking or cycling to school saves money on fuel and reduces long-term wear and tear on family vehicles.
Championing active travel
Schools play a significant role in promoting walking and cycling to school, fostering healthier, greener travel habits for later life. Practical steps and initiatives you can implement in your school include:
The big event
Hosting an event, like Walk to School Week or Bike to School Day, is a great way to encourage students to take up active travel. You could include fun activities, set your pupils a challenge, or take part in inspiring national or international campaigns.
Spread the word
Use posters, newsletters, and assemblies to raise awareness about the benefits of walking and cycling to school. Check out the free resources from active-travel charity Living Streets.
Cycle skills
Offering programmes like Bikeability, which offers on-road cycling training, can teach children the skills and confidence they need to cycle to school safely.
Community engagement
Schools can work with parents and local communities to promote walking and cycling. This can include organising ‘walking buses’, where groups of children walk to school together under adult supervision.
Reward schemes
Introducing reward schemes for students who walk or cycle to school regularly can motivate them to choose these modes of transport. For example, schools can use a points system or give out certificates in assemblies.
Active travel infrastructure
Highlighting safe walking and cycling routes to school, including bike lanes and pedestrian crossings, and providing on-site facilities such as secure bike storage, makes a big difference. Make walking or cycling a no-brainer!
Collaborate with your local authority
Working with your local council to improve infrastructure and safety measures around schools can support these initiatives. This might include traffic calming measures or reduced speed limits on nearby roads.
Lead by example
Encouraging teachers and staff to walk or cycle to school sets a positive example for students to follow.
Sustainable travel resources
Members of Climate Education can access the updated interactive calendar to note down sustainable travel campaigns coming up. These are great nudges for behaviour change in your school. Notable dates include:
- October is International Walk to School Month
- Road Safety Week starts on 17th November
These can be supported with our Sustainable Travel and Health resources, including the Action Against Air Pollution Lesson Plan and Exploring Air Pollution Lesson Plan.
Non-Members can explore the free resources, including the Lichen Pollution Survey.
